Maize is one of the top 3 grains grown in the world (see Cereal Statistics.) Figure 1 (above) shows 2005 maize production in metric tonnes, and Figure 2 identifies the locations where that maize was grown and the production levels for each country. There were 163 countries producing maize in 2005, but only two countries together - the US and China - produced over half of the total amount.

World maize production has increased almost 300% (see Figure 3) , while the area harvested has increased only 33% (see Figure 4), indicating a large improvement in yield per hectare. Maize production and yield in the US mirrors the world growth (see Figures 5 & 6.)